In the beginning, Mudgee Public School (MPS) set a goal for $5,000 in their Jump Rope for Heart fundraising program and as the numbers are finalised, they have raised a total of $23,399 for the Heart Foundation.

During their first week of skipping, MPS had met their goal, leaving much room to grow which has resulted in MPS placing fourth in Australia for school fundraisers.

Mudgee Public School Jump Rope for Heart coordinator, Annette McRae said while the program revolved around skipping and fundraising, for the school it was more about raising awareness of heart health, which also doubled as the ultimate physical activity to take the place of calendar sporting events that had to be cancelled due to COVID-19.

"How we've tried to angle it for the kids is that you're not jumping for the school, but for people in general to be aware of heart health. By doing it, it's actually a fitness P.E activity," Ms McRae said.

"Teachers took on the roll within their classroom to teach how to become aware of the heart, what it does, how to exercise it, heart conditions in Australia, and they [students] have come away knowing they've improved their health.

"It's been a great filler for the school being this COVID year, we have had no interactive games with other schools so this has been a really great thing for us."

Throughout their ongoing periods of jump rope, many students developed in a variety of forms whether that be physically or in terms of skills.

"The skipping has created a huge enthusiasm from all the kids involved right through the stages. We've had a lot of skill variety, of course, and by using it at school during play and fitness times, we've given them something to do with their peers", Ms McRae said.

"Whether they learned how to skip or learned some new tricks, they've all enjoyed it.

"I have heard from the kindergarten teachers that their students have come a long way for gross motor skills which is an important skill for younger kids to have."

Harrison Galloway-Smith was the student who raised the most funds for the school's effort raising a total of $1,004.21.

While the school has enjoyed their time with Jump Rope for Heart, they will participate in the program every two years.

"We've decided that doing it this way will keep it new and exciting for the students," Ms McRae said.